ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Details of loan disbursal by World Bank to India to fight COVID-19 pandemic
The World Bank has so far provided three loans worth $2.5 billion to Government of India to support Government of India’s response to COVID-19 pandemic situation for health , for social protection  and for economic stimulus , the benefits of which have accrued to all States and UTs. This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Giving more details, Shri Thakur said that the first loan relating to health measures worth $1,000 million was signed on 3rd April, 2020 to part finance Government of India’s Rs 15,000 crore COVID Health measures to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness. As on date, $502.5 million has been disbursed under the loan. The second loan relating to social protection measures worth $750 million was signed on 15th May, 2020 as budgetary support to Government of India for ‘Accelerating India's COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme’ to support relief measures to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package . This loan has been fully disbursed as on date. The third loan relating to economic stimulus measures worth $750 million was signed on 6th July, 2020 as budgetary support to Government of India in order to support MSMEs under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package . This loan has also been fully disbursed as on date.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Status of Avian Influenza in the country
Till 12 January 2021, additional cases of Avian Influenza  has been confirmed among dead crows in HCL-Khetri Nagar in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Further case of Avian Influenza  has been confirmed in dead crows and pelican in zoological park, Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and in dead crows in Jagnoli and Fatehpur village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Also, confirmation of Avian Influenza  in poultry sample from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh has been received today from NIHSAD 
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued advisory on testing protocol to states, encouraging them to undertake screening at state level ensuring suitable bio secure facilities.After the confirmation of spread of Avian Influenzain Maharashtra through samples of dead birds,a central team has been deputed to visit Maharashtra and Gujarat tomonitor the epicentres of AI outbreak in those states.
Constant efforts to generate awareness about Avian Influenza and how to deal with the situation is being sharedamong the general public through various media platforms including social media platforms like twitter.States are advisedto maintain sufficient stock of PPE kits and Accessories required for culling operations.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
MoS  Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates the Administrative Block of CAT, Principal Bench in New Delhi today.
Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region , Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh has inaugurated the Administrative Block of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi today in the august presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, Chairman, CAT.
After inaugurating the Administrative Block, a meeting was held in the premises of the Tribunal. In the beginning, the Hon’ble Chairman thanked the Union Minister for sparing time to inaugurate the building in spite of his busy schedule, and congratulated the CPWD for their hard work in completing the new block.
Thereafter, the Union Minister referred to the origin and functioning of the Central Administrative Tribunal. He expressed concern over the delay in disposal and the same matters being referred to the High Courts.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that new Members will be appointed shortly and mentioned that the Circuit Benches being opened for new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would be attached to the Chandigarh Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal. He also said that it is first time that CPWD is being praised and all credit goes to Mr. Puneet Kumar Vats, DG, CPWD.
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Ministry of Defence
ADM R HARI KUMAR, CNS MEETS THE FIRST BATCH OF ROYAL SAUDI NAVAL FORCES  CADETS UNDERGOING AFLOAT/SEA TRAINING AT SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND
Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS interacted with the cadets of King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia, undergoing sea training at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. 55 cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force  along with five Directing Staff are attached with the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata as part of afloat training with the Indian Navy. The CNS was apprised of the ongoing harbour and afloat training activities including familarisation sea sorties. He was also briefed on the progress made by the trainees within the training period.
As part of the training curriculum, simulator training was undertaken for the cadets prior embarking for the sea training phase. The cadets have completed 10 days at sea onboard the Indian Naval Ships. During the sea sorties, they were exposed to rigorous training on practical aspects of navigation and seamanship with emphasis on navigation in pilotage waters, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, firefighting and emergency drills. A two-day harbour training on sail training ship INS Sudarshini is also planned to familiarise them with the rigours of life onboard a sail ship.
The cadets shared their training experiences with the CNS - their first ever sailing onboard any warship. During the discussions, the Directing Staff expressed their appreciation on the high-quality training and exposure that they received onboard the IN ships. In his address, the CNS welcomed the RSNF delegation in India and reaffirmed that the maiden training of Saudi cadets by Indian Navy as testimony to the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and India as also the two Navies. He acknowledged the assistance received from the Govt of Saudi Arabia during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan. Emphasising the close relations and cooperation between the two navies, the CNS reaffirmed that the joint exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with the RSNF have progressed well over the years and signifies the strong bond between the two Navies. He also brought out that both countries share similar views with regard to maritime security and closely operate with each other towards ensuring safe and secure seas in the region.
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Ministry of Defence
Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 Culminates at Belgaum 
Ex DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022, an annual exercise between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force which commenced on 27 February 2022 at Foreign Training Node, Belgaum successfully culminated on 10 March 2022 after twelve days of intense joint military training, providing an unique opportunity of achieving synergy between Armed Forces of both the Nations which is focused towards strengthening the timeless bonds of India - Japan friendship. The exercise also provided a platform for professional and cultural learning as well as social interactions which in-turn broadened their horizon towards knowledge and cooperation aiming towards co-existence as one in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The conduct of this exercise, which covered a vast spectrum from cross training & combat conditioning in field conditions, to sports and cultural exchanges has been a grand success. The two armies rubbed shoulders attending various demonstrations, at firing ranges and during various tactical exercises. Both contingents not only shared their expertise on contemporary subjects of counter terrorism operations, but also utilised this opportunity to share their experiences on exploiting disruptive technologies like Drone and Anti-Drone weapons.
“Exercise Dharma Guardian” will enhance the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces and will act as a catalyst for many such joint programs in future to further consolidate on the gains achieved.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Rajya Sabha MP Shri Abhay Bharadwaj
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Shri Abhay Bharadwaj.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Shri Abhay Bharadwaj Ji was a distinguished lawyer and remained at the forefront of serving society. It is sad we have lost a bright and insightful mind, passionate about national development. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Steel
Steel Production
There was a reduction in production of steel during the initial months of FY 2021 mainly due to covid-19 pandemic induced disruption. However, this has been followed by a V-shaped recovery in production and the monthly production has since reached pre-Covid levels. In 2021-22, the steel production is poised to be the highest. Details of production of finished steel in India during the last five years and current year are given as follows:-
|
|
Year
|
|
Finished Steel Production 
|
|
2016-17
|
|
91.54
|
|
2017-18
|
|
95.01
|
|
2018-19
|
|
101.29
|
|
2019-20
|
|
102.62
|
|
2020-21
|
|
96.20
|
|
Source: Joint Plant Committee 
Government has laid special emphasis on infrastructure development through schemes like PM Gati Shakti Plan, National Infrastructure Pipeline , Housing for All, Jal Jeevan Mission, Bharatmala Project, Sagarmala Project, Construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and UDAN etc. The Ministry has also been engaging stakeholders from various sectors such as Housing & Construction, Infrastructure, Urban Development, Railways, Defence, Oil & Gas, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Agriculture, Dairying and Food Processing etc. with a view to promote usage of steel and to boost the demand in Construction / Infrastructure and Automobile sector.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Daily Recoveries Outnumber Daily New Cases for 7th Consecutive Day
Less than 3 Lakh daily New Cases for four successive days
India Conducts the Highest ever 20.55 Lakh Tests in the last 24 hours; Sets New Record
India’s Daily Recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the seventh consecutive day. 3,69,077 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours.
India’s cumulative recoveries have reached 2,23,55,440 today. The National Recovery Rate has grown further to touch 86.74%.
Ten states account for 75.11% of the new recoveries.
In another positive development, India records less than 3 lakh new cases for four consecutive days now.
2,76,110 Daily New Cases were registered in the last 24 hours.
Ten States reported 77.17% of the new cases in last 24 hours. Tamil Nadu has reported the highest daily new cases at 34,875, followed by Karnataka with 34,281 new cases.
On the other front, India’s total Active Caseload has decreased to 31,29,878 today.
A net decline of 96,841 is witnessed in the last 24 hours.
It now comprises 12.14% of the country's total Positive Cases.
8 States cumulatively account for 69.23% of India’s total Active Cases.
The graph below highlights the change in active cases for states in the last 24 hours.
More than 20.55 Lakh tests were conducted in the last 24 hours . With this achievement, India broke its own record which it had set yesterday.
The daily positivity rate stands at 13.44%.
Cumulatively, 20,55,010 tests conducted in the last 24 hours in the country.
The National Mortality Rate currently stands at 1.11%.
3,874 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
Ten States account for 72.25% of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties . Karnataka follows with 468 daily deaths.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has reached 18.70 Cr today under the Phase-3 of the nationwide Vaccination Drive.
A total of 18,70,09,792vaccine doses have been administered through 27,31,435sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 96,85,934 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 66,67,394 HCWs who have taken the 2nddose, 1,46,36,501 FLWs , 82,56,381 FLWs , 70,17,189 beneficiaries under 18-44 age group , 5,83,47,950  and 94,36,168  beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years. 5,49,36,096 1stdose beneficiaries and 1,80,26,179 2nd dose beneficiaries of more than 60 years old.
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
96,85,934
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
66,67,394
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,46,36,501
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
82,56,381
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
70,17,189
|
|
Age Group 45 to 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,83,47,950
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
94,36,168
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,49,36,096
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,80,26,179
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
18,70,09,792
Ten states account for 66.61% of the total doses given so far in the country.
Department of Space
PROTECTING INDIA’S INTEREST IN SPACE
Government of India through Department of Space has been proactive in protecting and augmenting India’s interests in space by developing all-round capabilities in the domains of space transportation, infrastructure and applications.
Further, for protection of Indian satellites and other equipment in orbit, ISRO actively participates in all international efforts to contain the space debris growth for the long term sustainability of outer space.
ISRO is an active member of Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, IAF Space Debris Working Group, IAA Space Traffic Management Working Group, ISO Space Debris Working Group and UNCOPUOS long term sustainability Working Group – all international organisations contributing to the space debris studies and space situational awareness.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Textiles
Cotton Production and Exports
The Cotton Advisory Board  has estimated that during the current cotton season of October, 2017 to September, 2018, the export of cotton from India is likely to increase by 20% over last year and is expected to touch 70 lakh bales by September, 2018. From October, 2017 to April 2018, the total amount of cotton exported from India was 51.21 lakh bales. CAB has estimated that the cotton production for the current cotton season will be 370 lakh bales.
Domestic prices of cotton are ruling below the International cotton prices. Details of domestic sale prices of the representative variety of S-6 cotton vis-à-vis International prices of its equivalent variety as follows:
|
|
Month
|
|
Domestic Prices  in Rs./ Candy
|
|
International Prices

|
|
Variation between domestic and International prices
|
|
in USC/lb
|
|
Conv. in Rs/candy
|
|
October, 2017
|
|
38468
|
|
78.68
|
|
40126
|
|
-4.13%
|
|
November, 2017
|
|
37462
|
|
80.39
|
|
40921
|
|
-8.45%
|
|
December, 2017
|
|
39296
|
|
85.58
|
|
43113
|
|
-8.85%
|
|
January, 2018
|
|
41084
|
|
90.91
|
|
45350
|
|
-9.41%
|
|
February, 2018
|
|
40061
|
|
88.27
|
|
44568
|
|
-10.11%
|
|
March, 2018
|
|
40846
|
|
92.07
|
|
46947
|
|
-13.00%
|
|
April, 2018
|
|
41172
|
|
92.13
|
|
47414
|
|
-13.16%
|
|
May, 2018
|
|
42246
|
|
94.45
|
|
50009
|
|
-15.52%
|
|
June, 2018
|
|
46265
|
|
97.71
|
|
51943
|
|
-10.93%
|
|
July, 2018

|
|
47192
|
|
94.40
|
|
50845
|
|
-7.18%
|
|
Source: Domestic Prices: Cotton Association of India ; International Prices: Cotlook
This information was given by the Minister of State of Textiles, Ajay Tamta, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets nation on the occasion of Eid al-Adha
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said,
"Eid Mubarak!
Greetings on Eid al-Adha. May this day inspire us to create a just, harmonious and inclusive society. May the spirit of brotherhood and compassion be furthered."
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the new President of the UAE
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Ruler of Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the new President of the UAE.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"My best wishes to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the new President of the UAE. I am confident that under his dynamic and visionary leadership, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen. @MohamedBinZayed"
PIB Headquarters
National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics 
Presidential Award is announced to the officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect and Customs, , Department of Revenue every year for specially distinguished record of service on achieving and maintaining excellence in the discharge of duties,. This year, on the eve of Republic Day, 2019, one officer viz., Shri R. SRIVATSAN, Faculty working in National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics,  Chennai as a Faculty, for having exhibited exceptional commitment and devotion to duty on a sustained basis, while achieving the goals set for the Organisation has been selected for grant of Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘Specially distinguished record of service’.
It is stated by Shri. S. Kesav Narayan Reddy, Additional Director, NACIN, Chennai in a press note issued by him.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Arable Land in the Country
As per the latest Land Use Statistics-at a glance, the details of arable land in the country for the year 2009-10 to 2018-19 is available as follows;

|
|
Year
|
|
Arable Land
|
|
2009-10
|
|
1,82,179
|
|
2010-11
|
|
1,82,010
|
|
2011-12
|
|
1,81,955
|
|
2012-13
|
|
1,82,086
|
|
2013-14
|
|
1,81,849
|
|
2014-15
|
|
1,81,829
|
|
2015-16
|
|
1,81,603
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1,81,133
|
|
2017-18
|
|
1,81,064
|
|
2018-19
|
|
1,80,888
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, DA&FW.
As per the Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India, land comes under the purview of State Governments. Therefore State government are to take suitable steps to check diversion of arable land for commercial non agricultural purposes. However, Government of India supplements the efforts of States, through appropriate policy measures and budgetary support. Under the National Policy for Farmers – 2007 , State Governments have been advised to earmark lands with low biological potential such as uncultivable land, land affected by salinity, acidity, etc., for non-agricultural development activities, including industrial and construction. National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy – 2007  has also recommended that as far as possible, projects may be set up on waste land, degraded land or un-irrigated land and acquisition of irrigated, multi-cropped agricultural land for non-agricultural uses may be kept to the minimum or avoided, to the extent possible.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Rural Development
Poor Functioning of National Mobile Monitoring System
To ensure more transparency in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme  in the States/UTs, a provision for capturing of attendance at worksite through National Mobile Monitoring System  App with geo- tagged time stamped photographs of the worker in a day has been started on 21st May 2021, wherein muster rolls are issued for 20 or more workers. This increases citizen oversight of the scheme besides potentially enabling faster processing of payments.
Mates are encouraged to take the responsibility of capturing the attendance of the workers through the NMMS App. The Ministry has been providing training to the States/UTs to ensure smooth transitioning to NMMS app as and when requested by the States/UTs. The technical issues being faced are taken up with NIC, Rural Development on real time basis. The new provisions/ suggestions requested by the States/UTs are being incorporated. All the issues concerning the NMMS application are reviewed and resolved from time to time. Some important decisions taken as per request of State Governments are given below:
- NMMS application has been modified to capture second photograph just after the 4 hours from the uploading of attendance and first photograph. It has ease out the specific time point requirement for capturing the attendance and photographs. The morning attendance along with the first photograph can be captured in offline mode and to be uploaded once device comes in network.
- In case of exceptional circumstances due to which attendance could not be uploaded, the District Programme Coordinator  has been authorised to upload the manual attendance.
As per the information shared by the Ministry of Communications that Broadband/Internet services are provided in a phased manner by the Government and Telecom Services Provider  in the uncovered villages of the country. The Government, with funding from Universal Service Obligation Fund , has schemes namely Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region, Left Wing Extremism  Affected Area Schemes, Aspirational Districts Schemes, Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for Islands, etc. to extend Broadband/Internet services through setting up of towers in the uncovered villages of the country.
Bharat Net project is implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats  in the country. The infrastructure created under Bharat Net project can be utilized by Service providers, for provisioning of broadband/internet services.
There is a widespread availability of smart phones in the rural areas. As per Annual Status of Education Report  2021 of ASER Centre, which reported that 67.7% surveyed rural households have at least one smart phone. Similar data has been reported by other agencies. Thus, it is not a major bottleneck.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Nityanand Rai inaugurates 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2019
“Sports have a special significance for the police forces, as sports and games inculcate values like esprit de corps, discipline and dedication to duty”, said Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, while inaugurating the 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2019, in New Delhi today. The five-day sporting event will draw to a close on the 7th of this month.
Echoing the vision of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on the ambitious ‘Khelo India’ programme, Shri Rai said that sports contribute towards the unity of the Nation, besides adding to the health and fitness of the participants. He expressed the desire that such events are organized at every level in the country, so that sporting talents can hone their skills and make the Nation proud at international level.
The 4th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship organized this year by CRPF is being attended by 34 participating teams consisting of 1207 sports persons from across the country, with a total of 15 Trophies and 214 Medals, including one Medal for the Best Gymnast, in contention. Earlier, this cluster has been organized by Sashtra Seema Bal  in 2016, West Bengal Police in 2017 and Odisha Police in 2018.